Nepal dominated the match from the early first half but conceded goal in the injury time of the first half in a counter move. Nepali goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong was not in a position to block dangerous Ali Asfaaq’s powerful shot from 20 yards. [break]
However, Sandeep Rai leveled the score for Nepal in the 51st minute of the match. Maldives goalie Ibrahim had no clue how to block a clever header of Rai in a corner kick off Raju Tamang.
It was Rai’s second international goal. Rai had scored a goal against Macau in the qualification round of the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008 when Nepal had defeated Macau 3-1.
This is the fourth time Nepal and Maldives have played draw. Nepal and Maldives had played identical draw in the opening match of last edition of the SAFF Championship in 2009. It has been 12 years since Nepal defeated Maldives last time during the SAF Games 1999 held in Kathmandu.
A large number of Nepali fans were present in the JLN Stadium in New Delhi, India to support Nepal and Sagar Thapa and his boys gave brilliant performance but proved to be unlucky several times.
Sandeep Rai’s ambitious shot from 40 yard sailed inches above the bar in the 15th minute. Three minutes later, Bijay Gurung failed to hold the ball just outside the danger area and wasted a great chance for Nepal. Gurung again missed a chance from 10 yards distance.
Anil Gurung slided for the ball as Maldives goalie received a back pass in the 26th minute and Maldivian glovesman Imran Mohamed punched a shot from Sandeep Rai in the 30th minute.
Maldives made a good counter move in the 40th minute and Adham had beaten Nepali goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong but Rohit Chand cleared the ball from goal line.
After leveling the score, Nepal made some good attacks. Biraj Maharjan crossed to Robin Shrestha in the Maldives danger area but Robin’s shot hit the woodwork in the 52nd minute.
Anil Gurung could not connect the ball well in a fantastic cross from Robin Shrestha in the 61st minute.
Jumanu Rai, who substituted Santosh Sahukhala in the 50th minute, also could not double Nepal’s score as he shot inches wide in the 70th minute.
Nepal should have been 2-1 up had the penalty kick was awarded in the 75th minute. Jumanu Rai’s shot hit the hand of Akram inside the box but referee didn’t pay attention to Nepal’s appeal.
Maldives made aggressive move in the last few minutes but Nepal held nerves to end the match at 1-1.
As goalnepal.com reported, Nepal coach Graham Roberts applauded his boys’ performance against Maldives. “My boys dominated the field and they all turned up. We kept the ball possession and, I think, Maldives are too lucky not to lose the match,” said Roberts. Maldives coach, Istavan Urvanyi accepted that Nepal were better side on the pitch.
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